Agency to Host Inaugural Biodiversity Summit

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will host the inaugural Tennessee Biodiversity Summit, an event celebrating Tennessee’s rich habitats and multitude of species, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Middle Tennessee State University in the Grand Ballroom of the Student Union Building.

Eight dynamic speakers are scheduled, with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Director of Conservation Roger McCoy as the keynote speaker. This year’s theme, Tennessee’s Biodiversity: Past, Present, and Future, highlights some of the current wildlife projects taking place across the state.

Participants will also learn about the updated State Wildlife Action Plan, a federally guided blueprint to prevent biodiversity decline. This plan engages a broad array of partners, including other government agencies, conservation groups, private landowners, and others, in the development process, many of whom will be educating at the event.

“We are profoundly fortunate to have such diverse wildlife in Tennessee, and our Agency is excited to share the dedication of not only TWRA but all partnering agencies that work for the betterment of species across the state,” said Josh Campbell, TWRA Chief of Biodiversity. “The speakers bring a wealth of knowledge, and it will be a great day to learn more about wildlife, habitats, and conservation across our state.”

Educational booths will be set up during the event to highlight those committed to protecting the rich biodiversity and to provide actionable resources for attendees. Time for networking and a silent auction with incredible excursions to learn first-hand about wildlife will also take place. Event sponsors include the Greg A. Vital Center for Natural Resources and Conservation at Cleveland State Community College, and Bridgestone Americas, Inc. For more information and registration, click here.